A Summer of Adventure and Growth

Lessons from Traveling with My Kids

This summer was unique in more ways than one. As my current job was coming to an end, I found myself with the perfect opportunity to take an extended break and spend some meaningful time with my family. With my 10- and 8-year-old daughters, and later with my 23-year-old son, we embarked on a summer journey that spanned across several countries. While the destinations were beautiful, what made this trip truly special was the time spent together, the lessons we learned, and the memories we created.

1. Family Time in France: Castles, Cousins, and Celebrations

We began our adventure by driving from Frankfurt, Germany, to Chenonceau, France. This first stop allowed us to explore the famous castles of the Loire Valley. Wandering through the historic halls, my daughters learned about French history in a way that textbooks could never quite capture. Seeing their curiosity light up as they imagined life in medieval times reminded me how powerful travel is as a tool for learning and exploration.

From there, we continued on to the Bordeaux region for a family wedding. This was an unforgettable experience for the girls, as they got to spend time with their cousins who live all over the world. Watching them form bonds with family members they don’t see often was a reminder of how important these connections are. The wedding celebration wasn’t just about love and family, but also about embracing the diversity of our family’s global roots. It was a beautiful and lively experience that showed my daughters the strength and joy that comes from being part of a big, connected family.

2. Chaos and Camaraderie: A Week at the Dune du Pyla

After the wedding, we traveled to Arcachon near the Dune du Pyla, where we spent a week at a rental house with about 12 adults and just as many children. Needless to say, it was not always a quiet affair! Managing so many personalities under one roof was chaotic at times, but it was also a wonderful lesson in patience and cooperation for my daughters. They learned the value of sharing space, resolving conflicts, and making compromises—a key part of life, especially when traveling in a large group.

Despite the occasional noise and squabbles, there were plenty of moments filled with laughter and fun. Climbing the towering sand dune, swimming in the ocean, and playing with their cousins gave the girls a deeper sense of connection to nature and family. It was a reminder that the best experiences often come from stepping outside our comfort zones and learning to live in harmony with others.

3. Solo Adventures: The Journey Continues

When the week at the Dune du Pyla came to an end, my husband returned home, but I continued the adventure with just the two girls and our dog—something that has become a bit of a tradition for us. I’ve made it a point to take them traveling often, and these trips have become special bonding moments for us.

Our next stops were Carcassonne, where we explored its medieval fortress, and the Camargue, a stunning natural region where we saw wild horses and flamingos. Traveling just the three of us, I watched my daughters become more independent and take on small responsibilities. Whether it was helping with navigation or packing their own suitcases, they were becoming more confident in their ability to handle new experiences. It’s these moments that make those journeys so rewarding—we learn to rely on each other, but also grow individually.

4. A Special Place by the Sea: Family Time in Le Lavandou

Our journey then brought us to my family’s home near Le Lavandou, a house my parents built years ago as their dream retreat by the sea. This stop was all about relaxation, spending time with my mom, and enjoying the simple pleasures of life by the water. My son joined us here with a few of his friends, and we spent our days boating, swimming, and stand-up paddling.

For my daughters, this part of the trip was a chance to connect with their aging grandmother, and for me, it was a reminder of the importance of family traditions. The house by the sea is not just a place—it’s a sanctuary of memories, where each generation adds new layers of joy and connection.

5. Final Adventures: A Tour Through Italy and Switzerland

As the summer began to wind down, I wasn’t ready for the journey to end. So, I invited my son to join us on a four-day tour through Italy and Switzerland on our way back to Frankfurt. This part of the trip was full of excitement and new experiences, as we explored some of the most picturesque destinations in Europe.

In Cinque Terre, we took a bus-boat along the coast, though the dog wasn’t particularly fond of it! At Lake Como, we rented a private wooden motorboat with a guide who took us on a tour of the beautiful villas from the water—a serene and unforgettable experience. And finally, we ventured to Mount Titlis in Switzerland, where we took a cable car up to the glacier and even went inside its icy tunnels. We capped it off with some thrilling adventures, including a summer toboggan run and a zipline ride down the mountain.

For my son, this was a good opportunity to step up and show responsibility as "the adult", guiding his sisters and helping them navigate the excitement and challenges of our journey. It wasn’t always easy, but it gave him—and all of us—a chance to grow and learn in ways we never expected.

Conclusion: A Summer of Growth, Connection, and Learning

Looking back, this summer was more than just a vacation—it was a time of transition, reflection, and connection. As I took time off from my professional role, I was able to focus on what matters most: my family. Traveling with my children, as always, was an enriching experience. From the history of the Loire Valley to the chaotic but loving family gatherings at the Dune du Pyla, and from the peaceful beauty of Le Lavandou to the adventures through Italy and Switzerland, every step of the journey taught us something new.

Travel isn’t just about the places we visit; it’s about the experiences we share, the lessons we learn, and the bonds we strengthen along the way. This summer was a reminder of the power of family, the joy of adventure, and the importance of making time for the people and moments that matter most.